Sta. Cruz’s revenge; Ancajas defends crown

It was an impressive performance from the young champion Jerwin Ancajas. Mexican challenger Jose Alfredo Rodriguez (32-5, 19 KOs) came to fight and kept pressuring the defending IBF flyweight champion, but Ancajas showed poise far beyond his years.

Everytime Rodriguez came charging in, Ancajas would defend himself well by countering, sidestepping or tying up the Mexican.

In the third, Ancajas began to find his range more as he began to open up , showing he was comfortable with the exchanges.

Rodriguez kept things interesting by landing some telling blows every now and then but Ancajas showed excellent ring generalship all throughout.

There’s a key to fighting southpaws if you are an orthodox fighter but Rodiguez had no other gameplan except to swarm Ancajas and pressure him.

Ancajas had the advantage in hand speed and threw numerous combinations which practically won him the rounds.

The end came in the 8th as Rodriguez had to retire on account of a shoulder injury.

Just as well, as I could not see how he could have won that fight anyway.

Great job champ. May you have a long, dominant reign.

STA CRUZ. We got our prediction right when Leo Sta Cruz was able to get exact revenge over Carl Frampton last Sunday.

Sta Cruz (33-1, 18 KOs) fought a more tactical, calculated fight than their first encounter and was able to capitalize more on his height and reach advantage.

Still, the previously unbeaten Frampton (23-1, 14KOs) was in the thick of things as he made every round competitive.

The scores 114-114 and 115113 ( twice) were quite emblematic of the close nature of the proceedings but the likeable Irishman had no qualms about the decision and graciously accepted the verdict.

It’s refreshing to see such a fine attitude from a young talented fighter and this bodes well for the sport.

Clearly, a third march is in the works and it looks like 2017 is off to a mighty fine start with this early fight-of-the-year candidate.

VERBATIM. “I hope Leo keeps his word and comes to Belfast to fight — and if he wants he can stay in my house.” - Carl Frampton ( belfasttelegraph.co.uk)

LAST ROUND. It’s on Cora Coronado Seno, better half of my kumpare Atty Joel Seno who celebrates her birthday this week. Cheers!